On education, growth and potential

Hello, 2025! The start of a new year often brings a renewed sense of hope. It offers an opportunity to press “refresh” on our browsers or “restart” our operating system (love a good analogy!).It’s a time to leave behind what no longer serves us and embrace a fresh start. Over the years, I’ve moved away from the concept of resolutions and shifted towards setting my intentions for the year. This approach feels less prescriptive and eliminates the pressure of overnight transformation. It allows for focus on building out goals and strategies for personal refinement at a sustainable pace.People often select one word to help set their intention for the year. For me, this is the year of growth. Growth as a person, growth as a leader and our collective growth as a pharmacy profession. What’s you defining word for 2025?Starting the year with inspirationI had the pleasure of kicking off the year at the Canadian Association of Pharmacy Students and Interns (CAPSI) Professional Development Week (PDW) conference in Halifax, N.S. Being surrounded by Canada’s brightest pharmacy students was exactly what I needed to remind me of those for whom I’m advocating. Their passion, creativity, resourcefulness and hard work embody the best parts of pharmacy. I was blown away by the highly professional and extremely well organized four-day event the committee from Dalhousie University was able to put on (all while juggling their responsibilities as full-time students). If there’s one thing that’s evident to me, it’s that our students show clear signs of leadership potential from very early in their careers. Listening to the next generationAs a profession, we should identify these students early and foster their growth as they develop into pharmacists. We’re doing this at CPhA is by continually engaging with students and early career pharmacists so we can represent their voices with confidence. Late last year, we conducted a survey of pharmacy students and new practitioners to understand their workplace expectations. The survey asked questions related to what students and new grads are looking for in their ideal positions, what factors they consider when seeking a new role and what would support retention as they build experience. The survey also covered expected debt load, plans for advanced degrees, interest in management and ownership and insights around recruitment strategies. We will be sharing survey results with employers and our pharmacy network to support the evolution of the profession. Our goal is to help enhance practice environments, with the hope of increasing job satisfaction and professional fulfillment across the country. Stay tuned for more on this!Unlocking potentialIt’s undeniable, our profession holds immense untapped potential to advance, evolve and create lasting impact on our patients and the healthcare system. At CPhA, we’re working hard to influence policy and decision making to set up the right conditions to enable pharmacists to thrive. From scope regulations and enhancing practice environments, to promoting the health and well-being of our workforce, there are many meaningful opportunities to contribute to shaping the future of pharmacy.This potential is why we’ve grounded our advocacy efforts in showcasing the breadth and depth of knowledge pharmacists bring to the table. The entry-to-practice PharmD is the new standard in pharmacy education, and this is the benchmark we are presenting to demonstrate what we have to offer. We want to build confidence in the competence of pharmacy professionals and highlight the incredible value we offer to governments, decision-makers and Canadians at large.Our pharmacy educationPharmacists spend years studying everything from pathophysiology to pharmacokinetics, yet a majority of the public (and policy makers) don’t fully understand our education and training. This lack of awareness creates a disconnect. How can pharmacists be seen as key health-care providers if people don’t realize the extent of our expertise? To be honest, even I didn’t fully understand or appreciate what a pharmacy education entailed before I started the program. I had an idea (“everything about drugs”) but learned quickly that there’s so more to it. In fact, part of my interest in advocacy stemmed from the fact that I wanted to tell as many people as I could how much pharmacists actually know. That’s also when the dissonance started. If pharmacists have all this training and education, then why aren’t we tapping into their knowledge? That’s the million-dollar question! The fact that we have highly educated and skilled health professionals conveniently located in every nook and cranny of the country, but that people don’t realize it, is the first tragedy. But to make matters worse, even if people discovered these hidden healthcare gems, the reality is that in many jurisdictions pharmacists aren’t even allowed to use all of their knowledge to help their patients. What?! None of it makes sense. It’s frustrating to know that there are many pharmacists ready and willing to help, but being held back by outdated regulations. Facing change with courageOur association is advocating for alignment between pharmacists’ training and authorized scope. Our message is clear: pharmacists are capable, competent and compassionate problem-solvers who are integral to Canada’s healthcare system. Let’s empower them to do what they’re educated to do. In the coming months, we will be launching a campaign to raise public awareness of pharmacists’ skills, education and services. By enhancing public trust and confidence in our profession, we can work together to align regulations with pharmacists’ competencies and removing unnecessary barriers. I believe strongly that all pharmacists, regardless of their degree, have the aptitude and capability to learn. Earning a pharmacy license is no small feat, and you’ve already done it! Your education provided you with the knowledge and skills required to navigate complex patient scenarios, and your dedication to continuous learning will help you to build on that strong foundation. That said, what you’re capable of and what you chose to do are two very distinct things. Every pharmacist has a right to exercise their professional autonomy and practise in the way that makes sense for them and the community they serve. Whether you want to give injections or not doesn’t change the fact that it’s a service that pharmacists have the ability to provide. So the real question then becomes, do you want the ability to use your professional judgement to freely apply your education? If you don’t . . . then you need to reflect on why that is. Does the hesitation come from a lack of interest in practicing with fewer restrictions? Or does it have to do with other external factors that are currently influencing your practice and your relationship with your chosen profession? Together, we growGrowth can be uncomfortable, even intimidating. But discomfort is where progress happens. Many pharmacists are excited about the direction the profession is heading and are thrilled at the prospect of practising more freely. Others feel nervous, and that’s okay. It’s natural to question change and feel resistance. Regardless of where you’re at, every pharmacist has the foundation—through their education, experience and dedication—to adapt, learn and grow.As we step into 2025, let’s embrace growth—as individuals, as professionals and as a collective. Pharmacy has the potential to transform healthcare in Canada, and each of us has a role to play in shaping that future. Whether it’s through advocating for change, mentoring the next generation or simply showing up for our patients with care, every effort counts. I challenge each one of you to reflect on (and be proud of) your pharmacy career and the incredible value you offer to healthcare. Here’s to a transformative year of growth and opportunity!

On education, growth and potential

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